It’s worth remembering that it’s not only dogs that are stolen. Cat theft has risen dramatically over the last five years, and it’s estimated that around 360,000 cats go missing each year in the UK.
How often do cats get stolen UK?
Figures from 36 police forces in the UK show there were 560 reports of cat thefts in 2021, up 40pc from 401 in 2020. Desirable breeds, particularly Bengals, remain the most targeted by cat thieves for breeding or resale. Pedigree kittens can sell for upwards of £500.
How common is cat Stealing?
The good news is your cat’s behaviour is not unusual! In fact, it is quite common for our feline friends to steal things. After all, they are very well equipped with their excellent night vision, ability to walk silently and mischievous ways! All of this makes them the perfect ‘cat’ burglar.
Is stealing a cat a crime UK?
Theft Act 1968
Cats are regarded in law as the ‘property’ of their owner. The theft of a cat is treated as an offence under the Act, in the same way as theft of any other property is. A cat that is lost or has strayed is generally regarded as the property of the original owner.
Which cats are most likely to be stolen?
The Bengal was the name most noted by experts when asked which breeds are most likely to be stolen. The Bengal’s popularity and unique fur are the main reasons for this pedigreed felony.
Why do cats go missing UK?
Unneutered cats can get lost while looking for a mate
One of the most common reasons unneutered male cats leave their home is to find a mate. Some cats might only have to wander around the neighbourhood before they pick up the scent of a female cat in heat, while others will travel for miles and miles.
How Far Can cats go without getting lost?
Yes, cats can return home many days, weeks, months, and even years after they wandered off or were lost. According to the Lost Pet Research project, there were reports of cats traveling 50-80 miles in 2.5 years, 38 miles in 6 months, 30 miles in 10 days, and 20 miles in 21 days.
Do people steal cats UK?
Cat theft has risen dramatically over the last five years, and it’s estimated that around 360,000 cats go missing each year in the UK.
Are cat owners more likely to cheat?
A dating website IllicitEncounters, which provides a service for married people, has conducted research and found that cat owners are more likely to cheat than any other pet owners. Next on the list are goldfish owners, followed by other/no pet, hamster/gerbil, rabbit, reptile and then last on the list are dog owners.
Do cat burglars exist?
Cat burglars do exist, however. In the 19th century, British criminal Charles Peace gained fame as the king of the cat burglars. A cat burglar will use athletic prowess and advanced housebreaking skills to avoid detection. Any burglar will break into a property and steal things, which are both crimes.
What do you do if someone steals your cat UK?
If you believe your pet has been stolen, report the theft to the police and ask for a Crime Reference Number.
Contact other local services to make them aware your pet is missing such as:
- Neighbouring local council animal wardens.
- All local vets.
- All local rescue centres.
Can you call the police if someone steals your cat?
Call the police and file a report.
In most states, pets are considered property, and if your property has been stolen, the police can be an essential line of defense in your pet’s recovery.
What do you call a person who steals cat?
See definition of cat burglar on Dictionary.com.
Where do most missing cats go?
Look in places where a scared cat might hide such as in bushes, in sheds, under decks. Remember to look up too, since cats like high places and might be hiding in the branches of a tree or on the roof of a shop or shed. It’s a good idea to search at a quiet time of day. After dark, you can search with a flashlight.
Why would someone steal a cat?
Why are cats being stolen? Most theft is about making money, and when it comes to cats this is achieved in two main ways: Resale. Criminals will try to quickly sell stolen cats to keen buyers who don’t check the history of the animals.
What percentage of lost cats are returned home safely?
Looking through years of case records of hundreds of missing cats, the number one way cats are found is that they simply come home in about twenty percent of missing cat cases.
Is it normal for a cat to be gone for 2 days?
It’s not unusual for cats to go ‘missing’ from time to time. Sometimes they may disappear for a few hours, other times you may not see them for a day or two. It’s important to understand that these vanishing acts are perfectly normal. Felines, by their nature, are adventurous animals.
What percentage of missing cats are found UK?
A retrospective case series was conducted where self-selected participants whose cat had gone missing provided data in an online questionnaire. Of the 1210 study cats, only 61% were found within one year, with 34% recovered alive by the owner within 7 days.
How long should I wait for my cat to come back?
You do not need to worry if your cat leaves, however, if it has been more than two days, you should consider notifying your local vet and animal warden that your animal has not come back, as they might have been injured, preventing them from coming home.
Why has my cat been missing for a week?
Sometimes cats go missing for weeks at a time and then stroll in as if they have never been gone. It is in their nature to hunt, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Do cats remember where they live?
Outside cats mark their territory with urine and rub up against objects to leave behind specific scent markers. It’s likely that they use these scent markers to know where they are and where they’re going. It’s theorized that they can follow their own scent trails all the way back home.